The regime has continued sending fresh troops to attack the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) during an escalation of fighting that has already displaced over 1,000 civilians in Namhsan Township located in northern Shan State.

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“I think about 400 regime soldiers are attacking us in Namhsan,” a front line TNLA soldier told SHAN on condition of anonymity. He said there’s five regime battalions: IB 276, IB 223 and LIB 348 from Mongmit and two from Lashio, as well as a Commando unit dispatched from Mandalay. The regime has deployed jet fighters, air ships and fired artillery at the Ta’ang armed group’s village camp.

“We can still hear the explosions of shells around Koong Sar (Kon Tha) this morning. I think 7 or 8 shells landed near the village yesterday, but I don’t know if there were civilian casualties,” said the TNLA soldier. At least five houses have been destroyed by shells since the conflict began last week.

Residents of Koong Sar and surrounding villages have sought shelter at the Zayang Gyi Buddhist monastery in Namhsan town, where they lack food, warm clothing and blankets to protect themselves from the freezing temperatures at night.

According to observers, the regime has used an informal ceasefire negotiated with the TNLA’s ally the Arakan Army in Rakhine State at the end of November to launch attacks in Namhsan.

SHAN was unable to reach TNLA spokesperson Brigadier General Tar Bone Kyaw for comment despite repeated calls.